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Latin Times
Latin Times
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Azucena Salazar

From El Helicoide to PBS: The Venezuelan Documentary That Connects Caracas to Millions of American Families

This view shows El Helicoide, a detention facility operated by the Bolivarian National Intelligence Service (SEBIN), in Caracas on September 22, 2026. (Credit: Photo by Federico PARRA / AFP via Getty Images)

From a Caracas Street to El Helicoide

On April 11, 2002, Iván Simonovis was on duty as a senior security official overseeing the Caracas metropolitan police when one of Venezuela's most consequential political days erupted around him. Millions had taken to the streets opposing President Hugo Chávez; snipers opened fire on the crowd, leaving 19 people dead and dozens wounded. Chávez held power — then turned Venezuela's judicial apparatus against his perceived enemies.

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